For the Pillion Babe

As a passenger you are a RIDER. That means you need to be concerned about some of the same important issues as that the driver of the motorcycle. To be a better passenger will be a better experience for both riders. Remember you're out there riding in mother nature's unpredictable environment so you need to be prepared at all times when embarking on a motorcycle adventure. Check out this wind chill chart to understand how temperature will totally effect your rider comfort and that you indeed need to be prepared.

Here's what you need to consider.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY:

Temperature changes are drastic when you ride on a motorcycle. You are exposed to the elements. Just because the weather is warm while off the bike, doesn't mean it will be like that when riding at 55 - 80 miles per hour. The temperature can drastically drop, or for that matter rise while you're cooking over hot asphalt. So you need to be prepared for nature's temper.

HELMET: Even if you're in a no helmet state, consider what your personal choice is to wear a helmet and protect your brain and it keeps you warm in cold weather, or to go without and take the chance. Freedom of choice. There are various helmets to choose from and the best way to select one is to go to your local motorcycle shop and try some on for size. Look for DOT or SNELL approved helmets if you're serious about brain protection. Click here to read more about helmets.

EYEWEAR: Get yourself a pair of decent riding glasses that protect your eyes against the wind and flying objects. Riding glasses are different than regular glasses because they are designed to fit tight, usually have wind resistant barriers surrounding the eye area and have super UV coating.

JACKET: A real riding jacket is necessary to face the unpredictable elements out there. Regular coats are not designed to face the wind and will take air in and balloon out, and pretend motorcycle-styled jackets don't offer the wind protection either and are usually too short and your waist line is exposed. So, invest in a real riding jacket because even when you're not riding, you'll wear it because it's comfortable and versatile and will end up becoming your most favorite jacket.

CHAPS: Get yourself a pair of leather riding chaps because when the legs get cold, damn, it's no fun. An excellent investment, let me tell ya. You can wear them over your daisy duke shorts, too, so you don't burn your legs on the pipes, and it keeps your legs protected.

NECKWEAR: A must is too keep a bandanna handy for cold weather or rainy riding. Also invest in a leather/fleece neck wrap which will keep precious heat from escaping around your face. This neck wrap also comes up over the face a bit to prevent nose chill.

GLOVES: Cold hands SUCK! Believe me and as a passenger, you can stick your hands in your pockets but this is dangerous in the event of an emergency stop or defense driving and you need to hang on to the rider. Gloves also protect your hands in the event of a fall, and makes for better comfort over the long haul.

BOOTS: Yes, well constructed boots that come up OVER the ankle. Keep your ankles protected and your feet warm. You will also want to invest in some rain covers for your boots or waterproof boots all together. Wet feet are annoying while riding.

RAIN GEAR: Oh rain gear can be a ride saver for sure. Not only that, rain gear is wind resistant and nice to wear at night when it gets super cold out. You'll also want to make sure that you get rain mitts to cover your gloves. You can purchase an entire rain suit or rain gators which just cover the legs.

OTHER GEAR: Think of wearing additional cold weather gear such as thermals, fleece and Gortex to layer beneath your leathers.

SKIN & HAIR PROTECTION:

Wear sun block on exposed skin at all times. Be sure to keep your face well moisturized. Don't forget to coat the ears and the tip of the nose generously with sun block. Prevent the raccoon look from sunglasses.

If you have long hair, be sure to braid it or tie it back or else it will get nasty snarls, and it's recommended to coat the braid with conditioner because the wind will strip away any moisture. You can use these cool hair gloves to keep your hair tidy and sexy.

Note Apparel Manufacturers to come. In the meantime check out Best - Motorcycle - Gear online.

MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING:

Hey, don't get on or off the bike until the rider tells you they are ready to have you mount or dismount. It's really a drag to have the passenger hop on when you weren't expecting it, didn't have the bike steady and down you both go. You should mount and dismount the bike from the left side, avoiding the pipes which are red hot and will melt your shoe soles, and do great skin damage. Let the driver vertically steady that bike and tell you when you can get on or off.

COMMUNICATION:

Communicating with the driver is terribly distracting unless it's absolutely necessary. If you have headsets, well, then, it's easier because it would be like having a normal conversation. But, it's important that you work out your communication tactics like if you have to use the rest room, stop for any reason, etc.

RIDER COMFORT:

If you're seat is uncomfortable, there are several options to remedy this situation such as purchasing a gel or air suspension cushion on top of the passenger seat. You can change the passenger seat, get a sissy bar with a back rest, or a back rest without the sissy bar. The passenger pegs can be relocated or additional peg locations can be placed on to the bike. There are lots of options to increase passenger rider comfort.

GO WITH THE FLOW:

Lean with the bike, go with the flow. Leaning the bike is normal riding procedure and it will not fall because centrifugal force keeps the bike upright, so let the bike and driver do their thing, and don't fight the lean. Look over the driver's shoulder into the direction of the turn.

Don't make unexpected moves back there, like reaching into a saddlebag or something when the driver doesn't know what the hell you're doing. Weight shifts affect the performance of the bike, especially with a passenger. Keep your feet on the pegs at all times and never dangle them.

HOLD ON AND STAY ALERT:

Yes. Hold on GENTLY to the driver's waist, or to the passenger bars, usually on a touring bike only. Be prepared to stop on a dime, be prepared for unexpected movements of the bike like if the driver has to do some defensive style driving. When the driver has to perform an emergency braking technique, if you're not alert and aware and holding on, you will smash forward into the driver or slide off the damn seat.

HAVE LOTS OF FUN, GIRL!

Have fun, meet new folks and enjoy the ride. You just may end up driving your own and experiencing beginner's luck!

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